have largely ignored men. The relatively little attention paid to males, who make most of the

important household and reproductive right decisions in our cultural milieu, can negatively

impact the use of family planning services. Thus, this study examined the socio-cultural

context of non-use of contraception among men, assessed their perceptions about family

planning, and also examined the characteristics of non-users of contraception. Using in-depth

interview and focus group discussion (FGD), data were collected from men aged (20-59)

years who were purposively sampled in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo. Data were analyzed thematically.

Findings indicated high level of awareness and non-use of contraceptive. Perceptions on

contraceptive and family planning varied, with most of the participants reporting that

contraception is bad. Misconceptions about condom as a taboo, male preference, desire for

large number of children, and the religious and cultural belief that children are blessings from

God were the key factors influencing non-use of contraceptive. Overall, the study established

that non-use of contraceptive in the study area is often shaped mostly by cultural and religious

beliefs, and social expectations rather than by lack of knowledge or access There is need to

further strengthen advocacy programs on men’s contraception and address social-cultural

barriers with the aim of improving male involvement in family planning programs in Akwa

Ibom State